Spiritual, religious, sacred, or mystical experiences may be broadly defined as subjective human experiences that appear to the person undergoing them, or to others, to convey or imply contact with or knowledge about a transcendent power, presence, or superior reality beyond the realm of the physical. Research has shown that these forms of awareness of ‘something beyond’ are of considerable significance in the ordinary lives of very many people, as well as being elements of signal importance in the origin and development of religion: not least by deepening characteristically spiritual or religious attitudes, emotions, beliefs, values and practices, along with fundamental orientations of life and quests for meaning. This Studyguide provides a succinct and lucid introduction to the subject for those studying and teaching religion at both undergraduate and GCE AS/A level. By exploring the key areas of both the empirical and theoretical study of religious and spiritual experience, the Studyguide will serve as an accessible and nonpartisan guide to enable its readers to explore the range of challenging data, debates, approaches, and issues that relate to the study of this widespread and significant phenomenon.

"This is the best introductory resource for studying religious and spiritual experiences ever created. Jeff Astley is a reliable guide to complicated terrain and gifted at introducing beginners to the fascinating landscape." -- Wesley J. Wildman, Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics, Boston University
"While the focus is on Christian experiences, the Studyguide is useful for everyone who wants to learn how to study all types of non-ordinary experiences, whether they root in Christian ideas or any other religions, or have no religious background at all. I highly recommend the Studyguide to everyone interested in the study of religious and spiritual experience." -- Bettina Schmidt, Professor in the Study of Religion, University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Jeff Astley is the Alister Hardy Professor of Religious and Spiritual Experience, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, and Honorary Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University.